The United Kingdom is encouraging the Philippines to diversify its energy mix by investing more heavily in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and tidal power, as a way to strengthen energy security and reduce exposure to global market volatility.

As reported by GMA News in their article, British trade envoy George Freeman, who represents the UK in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei, made the statement during a recent briefing in Manila. He warned that the country’s continued dependence on oil and coal exposes it to geopolitical risks that drive fuel price surges, such as ongoing tensions in the Middle East and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“If the Philippines has more renewables, it’s much more independent and more secure… much less exposed to price volatility internationally,” Freeman said.

The UK sees renewable energy development as a pathway not only to affordability and security but also to environmental and economic benefits. Freeman emphasized that a shift toward clean energy would help mitigate global warming and generate new green jobs for Filipinos.

He also noted the UK’s plans for major investments in the Philippine clean energy sector, offering British expertise to help address supply chain risks and policy challenges.

The renewed push comes as part of the UK’s broader strategy to deepen bilateral economic ties. Freeman reaffirmed the UK’s 99% tariff-free trade access for the Philippines and highlighted a £5 billion funding package from UK Export Finance, which supports infrastructure and defense projects in the country.

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